Factory International 2026: Culture, Events & Highlights

Factory International’s programme at Aviva Studios offers a diverse array of bold art, inspiring performances, and engaging events designed for everyone. Whether you are passionate about culture, eager to explore new experiences, or seeking a unique outing with friends or family, this line-up welcomes and inspires all audiences.

Experience Factory International’s vibrant line-up: Ai Weiwei's first ever major exhibition in the North, enchanting family adventures in Return to the Forest, electrifying dance inspired by the music and words of Sinead O'Connor, English National Opera's first Manchester-made production and stereotype-busting comedy'. These shows provoke thought, celebrate creativity, and promise unforgettable moments in Manchester’s cultural heart.

Dive in and discover what’s on:

Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs

See Earth transformed by the age of dinosaurs in Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, a new immersive Lightroom experience narrated by Damian Lewis.

Explore the extraordinary story of dinosaurs up close from their dominance 66 million years ago to their legacy today. Witness life-sized dinosaurs at the most dramatic moments of their lives – traversing dangerous deserts, soaring skies and mysterious ocean depths.

Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs blends iconic moments from Apple TV+’s Emmy-nominated Prehistoric Planet with bespoke illustrations and extended CGI sequences – set to an epic original score by multi-Academy Award-winner Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman and Kara Talve for Bleeding Fingers Music.

Discover a world lost to time and feel it come roaring back to life.

• 🗓️ 8 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027

• 🦖 Stand face-to-face with the greatest dinosaurs in history

• 🌍 Travel back 66 million years in a fully immersive prehistoric world

• 🌊 Journey through deserts, skies and ocean depths alongside dinosaurs

Discover More.

David Bowie: You're Not Alone

Step into the extraordinary world of David Bowie with David Bowie: You’re Not Alone, an immersive experience celebrating one of music’s most influential and imaginative artists. Through iconic performances, rare interviews and never-before-seen material from the David Bowie Archive, visitors can explore the creativity, curiosity and vision that shaped his remarkable career.

Featuring Bowie as the exhibition’s sole voice, this multimedia journey combines stunning 360° visuals, spatial audio, photography, lyrics and personal notes to create an intimate portrait of the artist. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering his work for the first time, it’s a powerful exploration of Bowie’s enduring cultural legacy.

• 🗓️ 8 Dec 2026 - 10 Jan 2027

• 🎤 Immersive exhibition celebrating the life, music and artistry of David Bowie

• 🎬 Features iconic performances, rare interviews and never-before-seen archive material

• 📸 Includes photography, drawings, lyrics, personal notes and sketches from the David Bowie Archive

Discover more.

It's a Sin

Experience the powerful story behind Russell T Davies’ acclaimed It’s a Sin reimagined through the extraordinary movement of Rambert’s world-class dancers. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s London, this emotionally charged production follows a group of friends as they embrace freedom, identity and love, before the emergence of the AIDS crisis changes their lives forever.

Directed and choreographed by Benoit Swan Pouffer, It’s a Sin is a moving celebration of friendship, resilience and joy in the face of adversity. Blending past and present through stunning choreography, it offers a poignant and unforgettable reflection on loss, love and the enduring power of community.

• 📅 16 - 27 Feb 2027

• 💃 A powerful dance adaptation of Russell T Davies’ acclaimed series It’s a Sin

• 🎭 Presented by Rambert in collaboration with Factory International

• ✨ Directed and choreographed by Rambert Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer

Discover more.

Portrait of Black Britain

Discover a powerful celebration of identity, community and representation in Portrait of Black Britain, the acclaimed photography exhibition by Cephas Williams. Returning to Manchester at Aviva Studios, the exhibition brings together striking portraits of Black people from across the UK, including many from Greater Manchester, to explore what it means to be Black in Britain today.

Originally commissioned for Manchester International Festival 2021, the project shines a light on everyday stories and lived experiences, creating a richer and more authentic picture of contemporary Black Britain. Thought-provoking and inspiring, it offers a meaningful reflection on visibility, belonging and the power of representation.

• 📅 1 - 31 Oct 2026

• 📸 Photography exhibition by acclaimed artist Cephas Williams

• 🖼️ Returns to Manchester at Aviva Studios

• 🌍 Explores the question: “What does it mean to be Black, living in the UK?”

Common Frequency - A new exhibition by Adidas Originals

Today, Factory International announces Common Frequency, a new exhibition on the transformative power of music, curated by the 2026 adidas Originals Creator Network North cohort.

Taking place 3 – 6 October in the vast North Warehouse of Manchester’s Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, Common Frequency, is a free exhibition and event series created by the adidas Originals Creator Network North - a group of 20 young creatives from across the North West.

• 📅 3 - 6 Oct 2026

• 🖼️ Exhibition | Explore a free exhibition on the transformative power of music

• 🎻 LIVE 3 October | An evening of live music and poetry as part of the adidas OCN North exhibition, Common Frequency – featuring Manchester Camerata.

• 🤝 Meet the Cohort. 6 October | A chance to experience the exhibition, followed by a curated evening hearing from the adidas OCN North cohort

Frequently Asked Questions about Factory International & Aviva Studios

• Is Factory International accessible and inclusive?

Yes. Factory International is dedicated to accessibility and inclusivity, providing step-free access, accessible toilets, and assistance for visitors with disabilities. Feedback is encouraged to continually enhance experiences.

• Who funds Factory International and Aviva Studios?

The venues are funded by Manchester City Council, HM Government, and Arts Council England, and are located at the historic Granada Studios site.

• How can I get tickets or find out what’s on?

Visit the official Factory International website for event listings, ticket details, and accessibility information. For specific questions, email access@factoryinternational.org or call between 10:00–17:00, Monday to Saturday.

• Why is it called Factory International?

The name honors Manchester’s Factory Records, reflecting the city’s innovative culture.

• Why visit Aviva Studios in 2026?

Aviva Studios offers world-class art, music, theatre, and community events in an accessible, welcoming space—perfect for families and culture fans.

Plan Your Visit

• Check the website for the latest shows and exhibitions.
• Book online to secure tickets.
• Explore accessibility features and support services.
• Follow on social media for updates.

Contact

• Email: access@factoryinternational.org
• Phone: 10:00–17:00, Mon–Sat
• Location: Aviva Studios, Manchester